• Expat health insurance after 65/Switching phones remains a pain/Chiva-Som yoga session/Petrol and gasohol prices fall/El Niño to continue all year/‘Lemon Law’ gains traction/6.9 years living with illness or disability/1.84 million baht hidden
• THE IRAN WAR: Trump: ‘Hell will rain down’/Energy firms brace for ‘new era’/Thailand hopes deal brings lasting stability
• ECONOMY: Thailand’s 2026 Economic Pain Persists/Thailand advances 15% global minimum tax/Becoming the World’s ‘Landlord’/Data center outlay to skyrocket/Electricity Tariff Reform/Plan to boost kratom industry
• TOURISM: TAT shifts airline strategy/TAT slashes long-haul arrival forecast/Bangkok airports target 120 million/Homeless people on Pattaya Beach
• THAILAND EXPERIENCE: Vana Nava Hua Hin/Rainbow Crepe – Thai Street Food Magic!/What dishes do Thais eat
• CLIMATE THAILAND: Toxic ‘time bomb’ threatens Mekong basin/Plastic bottles blanket Phi Phi Leh/Early movers eye green advantage
• FOREIGNERS BEHAVING BADLY/HUA HIN TRANSPORT and LINKS 

Why expat health insurance in Thailand may not cover you after 65

If you’re an expat living in Thailand and you’ve had the same health insurance policy for years, it’s easy to assume you’re set. You pay your renewal, you stay covered, and that’s that.

But most Thai domestic health insurance policies have a ceiling built into the small print, an age at which the insurer stops accepting new applicants, and another at which they stop renewing existing ones altogether. Continued … 

Switching phones remains a pain

When did the first smartphone appear? The first mobile phone prototype came from Motorola in 1973. The first one approved, affectionately called The Brick, came out in 1983. In 1992 an IBM engineer created the Sweetspot but it didn’t hit the market until 1994, as the IBM Simon Personal Communicator.

The first text message was sent in December 1992. The first time we see the term “smartphone” used, was by Ericsson with their GS88 that came out in 1997. Mobile gaming didn’t begin until 1997. Continued … 

Join us for a complimentary, revitalizing Hatha Yoga session in celebration of International Yoga Day. Class: Hatha Yoga Sunday, June 21, 5–5:50, at Chiva-Som Hua Hin, Yoga Pavillion. Following the class, healthy refreshments will be served at Orchid Lounge. Limited spaces are available; advanced reservation is required and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. For yoga class reservations, please click.

Bangkok petrol and gasohol prices fall by 0.75 baht/liter today

PTT Oil and Retail Business (OR) and Bangchak Corp. (BCP) have cut petrol and gasohol prices by 0.75 baht per liter, effective from 5 am today, while diesel prices remain unchanged. Continued … 

El Niño set to continue all year

Thailand faces a 96%–98% probability of entering an El Niño phase between June and July, with conditions potentially persisting into early 2027, warned Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchart Chomklin.

The phenomenon is expected to intensify between this November and January next year and could significantly affect Thailand’s economy, society, and productive sectors if adequate preparations are not made. Continued … 

‘Lemon Law’ gains traction as Cabinet backs defective goods bill

Thailand’s defective goods bill, dubbed the Lemon Law, has cleared the Cabinet after a decade-long bureaucratic entanglement and delays, shifting the burden of proof to sellers when goods are found to be defective.

The proposed Lemon Law, formally known as the Liability for Defective Goods Act, was submitted by the Office of the Consumer Protection Board (OCPB) and received Cabinet approval yesterday. Continued … 

Thais spend 6.9 years living with illness or disability

Thais are expected to spend an average of 6.9 years living with illness or disability in later life, highlighting growing pressure on healthcare services and long-term care systems, according to the Thai Health Report 2026.

The report, released by the Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHealth) and the Institute for Population and Social Research at Mahidol University, identifies demographic change as one of the most significant challenges facing the country’s health sector. Continued … 

Family discovers 1.84 million baht hidden after father’s death

The family of a Thai farmer were stunned to discover 1.84 million baht in cash hidden inside a modified metal storage box used for tools after his death, revealing years of careful saving that even his wife did not know about.

The discovery came after the death of In Saendong, 78, from Nong Tum village in Udon Thani province. Relatives found the cash while searching through a metal storage container he had used to keep tools and personal belongings. Continued … 

Trump: ‘Hell will rain down’ if Tehran develops nuclear weapons

U.S. President Donald Trump maintained yesterday that an interim accord with Iran makes clear that Tehran would never be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon. Video … 

Energy firms brace for ‘new era’ despite Hormuz deal

The world’s oil and gas majors have high hopes for a quick reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, but they have few illusions about a return to normal for the Gulf energy industry after more than three months of blockage.

Even if the deal between Iran and the United States to end the Mideast war holds, analysts say the old market certainties are gone for good — and the new risks will probably require costly adaptions. Continued … 

Thailand hopes US-Iran deal brings lasting regional stability

Thailand has welcomed an agreement reached between the United States and Iran to end their conflict, expressing hope that the deal will bring lasting peace and stability to the Middle East and safeguard global economic interests.

In a statement issued on Monday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Thailand “warmly welcomes” the agreement and commends the constructive roles played by Pakistan and Oman in mediating the negotiations. Continued … 

Iran Ceasefire Brings Market Calm, but Thailand’s 2026 Economic Pain Persists

Thailand’s economy is bracing for a turbulent second half of 2026. Kasikorn Research Center (KResearch) is holding its full-year growth forecast at 2.0%, warning that while the immediate threat of a wider Middle East war has receded, the recovery remains fragile.

At a press briefing yesterday, the research house noted that the United States-Iran ceasefire has calmed markets but failed to undo months of structural damage to global energy prices, trade flows, and business sentiment. Continued … 

Thailand advances 15% global minimum tax on multinationals

Thailand’s Cabinet has approved the collection of a 15% global minimum corporate tax on large multinational companies under an agreement led by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), aiming to prevent profit shifting to tax havens and generate about 10 billion baht in additional state revenue each year.

Speaking after the Cabinet meeting yesterday, Ekniti Nitithanprapas, deputy prime minister and finance minister, announced that the Cabinet had approved Thailand’s official exchange of global minimum tax information with other countries. Continued … 

Thailand Risks Becoming the World’s ‘Landlord’, Not a Tech Player

Thailand needs to decide what role it wants to play in a world being reordered by artificial intelligence — or have that decision made for it. That was the stark warning from Burin Adulwattana, chief economist at KASIKORNbank, during a special segment of the KASIKORN Research Center’s half-year briefing.

Burin cautioned that Thailand’s current passive approach to the AI boom risks leaving the country on the sidelines of a global contest reshaping power, capital, and resource distribution. Continued … 

Thai data center outlay set to skyrocket

Thailand’s investments in data centers are projected to reach US$4.31 billion by 2030, representing average annual growth of 18% from 2024 and achieving total capacity of 2.93 gigawatts, helped by strong government support and solid demand, says CGS International Securities.

Thailand is undergoing a fundamental transformation in its digital infrastructure, driven by artificial intelligence (AI), cloud adoption, data sovereignty regulations, and spillover demand from capacity-constrained neighboring countries, especially Singapore, said Kasem Prunratanamala, head of research at CGS. Continued … 

Thailand Plans Electricity Tariff Reform, Higher Data Center Rates

Thailand is preparing to reform its electricity tariff structure in an effort to make power prices fairer and reduce electricity costs for households and local industries. Energy Minister Akanat Promphan announced that the government is reviewing the current pricing system to ensure that electricity charges better reflect actual costs.

The Ministry of Energy is currently awaiting feedback from the Energy Regulatory Commission before moving forward with the proposed changes, as the reforms will impact both consumers and state electricity agencies. Continued … 

DTAM pushes 5-point plan to boost kratom industry

The Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine (DTAM) is advancing a five-pronged strategy to develop kratom into a globally recognized economic herb, supported by research, innovation, and international standards.

DTAM Deputy Director-general Tewan Thanirat said kratom has long been part of Thai traditional medicine and local wisdom. Its removal from the narcotics list in 2021 created new opportunities for research, product development, and commercial use, while its designation as one of Thailand’s “Herbal Champions” in 2023 further accelerated efforts to develop the crop. Continued … 

TAT shifts airline strategy as Middle East crisis disrupts flights and long-haul tourism

Thailand is stepping up efforts to rebuild international air capacity and reduce its reliance on Middle East aviation hubs after the regional conflict disrupted long-haul travel flows and forced the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) to lower its foreign tourist target from distant markets this year.

TAT Gov. Thapanee Kiatphaibool said the agency aims to restore Thailand’s passenger seat capacity to more than 100% of the 2019 level by 2027, using air connectivity as a core measure of tourism recovery. The goal is being driven through TAT’s “Airlines Focus” strategy, which encourages airlines to open new routes, increase frequencies, and strengthen direct access to Thailand. Continued … 

TAT slashes long-haul arrival forecast to 10 million

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has slashed its long-haul arrival forecast to 10 million this year, on par with last year, mainly attributed to the Middle East conflict.

Chiravadee Khunsub, deputy governor for Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and the Americas, said the agency initially projected 11 million long-haul arrivals, but cut the forecast after flight disruptions the past three months. Continued … 

Bangkok airports target 120 million by 2029

The Transport Ministry expects Bangkok’s two main airports to handle around 120 million passengers annually by 2029 as it accelerates efforts to make the country a regional aviation hub.

Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn outlined the target yesterday after inspecting operations at the Aeronautical Radio of Thailand (Aerothai) and Airports of Thailand (AOT). Continued … 

Homeless people seek shelter on Pattaya Beach, raising tourism image concerns

Business operators in Pattaya are urging relevant agencies to take urgent action after homeless people were found using Pattaya Beach and nearby public spaces as shelters, raising concerns over the city’s tourism image.

On Monday, reporters surveyed Pattaya Beach, Pattaya Second Road, and major tourist spots in Pattaya City, Nong Prue sub-district and Bang Lamung district in Chon Buri province, to monitor the situation involving homeless people and those using public areas as places to stay overnight. Continued … 

Vana Nava Hua Hin is the ultimate all-ages fun escape

Most people driving through Hua Hin are thinking about the beach, the night market, maybe a round of golf. What they’re not expecting is Asia’s first water jungle, a one-billion-baht water park built into 3.2 hectares of lush tropical greenery, packed with 20 world-class attractions, and sitting just a few hours down the road from Bangkok.

That’s Vana Nava Water Jungle, and it’s been quietly surprising visitors since it opened its gates. The name itself tells you something. Vana Nava comes from ancient Sanskrit; “Vana” means jungle or forest, and “Nava” means sea boat, a nod to Hua Hin’s history as a fishing village by the sea. Continued … 

Rainbow Crepe Loaded with Bananas & Chocolate – Thai Street Food Magic!

Watch this street food master create a giant colorful crepe loaded with fresh bananas, crunchy cereal, and rich chocolate drizzle. The bright rainbow colors and satisfying preparation make this one of the most eye-catching Thai street foods you’ll ever see! Video … 

Most popular food in Thailand — What dishes do Thais eat daily

Some of the most popular foods in Thailand are still surprisingly unknown to tourists.. Most simply find one English-menu spot that has better Pad Thai than the “authentic” Thai restaurant in their home cities.

But they fail to uncover the other dishes that the “Thai Tanium” or “Thai Tanic” at home could never replicate. For those willing to step out of their comfort zones and eat like a local, this is what Thailand actually eats. Continued … 

Toxic ‘time bomb’ threatens Mekong river basin

Thai fisherman Somdet Singthong steered his metal skiff across the brown waters of the Mekong river, resigned to the pollution that has put his health and lifelong source of livelihood at risk.

Doctors have found elevated levels of toxic arsenic in his fingernails and urine, with the heavy metal also detected in the river that millions of people in Southeast Asia depend on. Testing suggests the contamination, which experts and campaigners trace back to illegal mining in Myanmar, is now spreading downstream. Continued … 

Plastic bottles blanket Phi Phi Leh bay as Thailand’s marine waste threat grows

National park officials collected six large bags of plastic waste from Loh Samah Bay on Phi Phi Leh Island after large numbers of plastic water bottles were found floating across the sea near the boat access point to Maya Bay, one of Krabi’s best-known marine attractions.

Images posted by Hat Noppharat Thara–Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park showed plastic bottles and other waste scattered across the surface of the water, prompting concern among conservationists over the impact on marine life and the image of one of Thailand’s most famous island destinations. Continued … 

Early movers eye green advantage

As Thailand approaches the halfway mark of its national climate commitments, businesses are increasingly viewing sustainability not merely as protection against environmental and regulatory risks, but as a pathway to growth amid climate disruption, resource insecurity, and energy volatility.

The expansion of Thailand Taxonomy Phase 2 to cover agriculture, construction and real estate, manufacturing, and waste management marks another step in the country’s transition toward a low-carbon economy. Continued … 

Anutin Orders Faster Deportation of Foreign Criminals

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has ordered legal amendments to accelerate the deportation of foreign criminals in Thailand, aiming to prevent offenders from returning to criminal activities while awaiting removal from the country. Continued … 

• Chinese Nationals Arrested in Kanchanaburi for Illegal Entry – Continued … 

Hua Hin Links and Transport

Calendar of events/Airport schedule/Bangkok airport bus schedule/Hua Hin-Pattaya bus schedule/Air pollution index map/90-day online report/driver’s license/Market Village and Bluport cinemas/Emergency numbers